Summit Dog, Inc. CEO & Founder, Michelle E. Robinson, is a former US Navy Aircrew Survival Equipmentman, a/k/a parachute rigger. She served in uniform for six years and then as a Department of Defense (DOD) contractor for 20 years, so it is understandable that she has a desire to serve our veterans.
Michelle started her company, Summit Therapy Animal Services, LLC in 2010 after learning she had a passion for helping people by sharing the comfort and talent of her German Shepherd Dog, Gideon. She believes in the motto, “find your passion and figure out a way to make a living doing your passion,” so she did just that! Then to build on the success of her company she started the non-profit, Summit Dog, Inc, as a means to grow by accepting donations, building relations with corporate sponsors, and applying for grants. We want everyone to have the opportunity to benefit from Summit’s special type of services.
Falcons Landing
We lovingly refer to our friends at Falcons Landing as “The Forgotten Veterans”, because every person there is either a retired veteran, or the spouse of a retired veteran. Although they are in their twilight years, they served their country proudly and Summit therapy animal teams are proud to visit EVERY week!
Serve Our Willing Warriors at Bull Run Retreat
Summit therapy animals visit with the warriors and their families who stay at the retreat. Our dogs help them to feel relaxed and open up communication. Sometimes our dogs provide comfort and other times, a means of release stress by playing ball.
Ft. Belvoir Primary School (FCPS)
Summit therapy animal teams visit the veteran’s children at Ft. Belvoir’s Primary Elementary School. We work with the staff to help newly transferred students to feel more at ease, when they first arrive. We visit the school twice a month for selected students can READ to the dog. This activity helps students with their reading and creates an environment of trust. The teachers, staff, and base commander would like for our therapy dogs to be there several days a week to help the students with emotional concerns, empowerment, and suicide risk prevention.
Ft. Belvoir USO
We have worked with the USO in previous years to bring therapy dogs to the monthly “Ice Cream Social” and other events. With our engagement at the schools on post, we anticipate that the requests for visits will become more regular to provide therapy animal teams at events.
VA Medical Center Martinsburg
We have volunteers who take therapy dogs to work with the veterans in the inpatient psychiatric ward at Martinsburg. The dogs bring a calming influence to the residents and help them to feel more relaxed.
We need your support to fund our veteran programs by providing donations or corporate sponsorship!
We graciously accept checks or online donations at www.paypal.me/SummitDog
Summit Dog, Inc is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, EIN 83-1382200, and can be found on Guidestar.